Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method at a Policy and Charging Rule Function, PCRF, entity for provisioning policy information, the method comprising: preparing policy information for provision to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function, PCEF, entity; provisioning the policy information to the PCEF entity, wherein the policy information specifies timing for starting and stopping an Access Point Name-Aggregated Max Bit Rate, APN-AMBR; and indicating a recurring time interval in the policy information for applying a policy associated with the policy information to the PCEF entity such that the policy can be applied at the PCEF repeatedly at the recurring time interval without further provisioning of the policy information to the PCEF entity, wherein the recurring time interval represents an interval between successive starts of the APN-AMBR or between successive stops of the APN-AMBR.
In the domain of telecommunications policy control, this invention addresses the need for dynamic and efficient management of data rate limits in mobile networks. The solution involves a method implemented at a Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF) entity to provision policy information to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) entity. The policy information includes timing instructions for starting and stopping an Access Point Name-Aggregated Maximum Bit Rate (APN-AMBR), which controls the aggregate data rate for a user or service across a network. The method also specifies a recurring time interval in the policy information, allowing the associated policy to be automatically applied at the PCEF repeatedly without requiring additional provisioning from the PCRF. This interval defines the timing between successive activations or deactivations of the APN-AMBR, enabling periodic adjustments to data rate limits based on predefined schedules. The approach reduces signaling overhead by minimizing the need for repeated policy updates while maintaining flexible control over network resource allocation. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios where data rate limits must be adjusted periodically, such as during peak usage times or to enforce time-based service plans.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the policy information specifies timing for activating and deactivating a Policy and Charging Control, PCC, Rule and the recurring time interval represents an interval between successive activation of the PCC rule or between successive deactivation of the PCC rule.
This invention relates to policy and charging control (PCC) systems in telecommunications networks, specifically addressing the dynamic management of PCC rules to optimize network resource allocation and service delivery. The problem solved involves efficiently activating and deactivating PCC rules based on predefined timing policies, ensuring that network resources are used optimally while maintaining service quality. The method involves a policy information system that specifies timing parameters for activating and deactivating PCC rules. These rules govern how network resources are allocated to user sessions, such as bandwidth, quality of service (QoS), and charging policies. The policy information includes a recurring time interval that defines the period between successive activations or deactivations of a PCC rule. For example, a PCC rule may be activated at regular intervals to enforce specific QoS parameters during peak usage times and deactivated during off-peak periods to conserve resources. The system dynamically adjusts PCC rule states based on the specified timing, ensuring that network policies are applied precisely when needed. This approach prevents unnecessary resource consumption and improves overall network efficiency. The recurring time interval can be configured to align with predictable usage patterns, such as daily or hourly cycles, allowing for automated and scalable policy enforcement. The method ensures that PCC rules are applied consistently and predictably, enhancing service reliability and user experience.
3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the recurring time interval is indicated to the PCEF entity in a Charging-Rule-Install Attribute Value Pair, AVP of a Credit-Control-Answer, CCA-initial message upon establishment of an Internet Protocol-Connectivity Access Network session.
This invention relates to telecommunications, specifically to methods for managing charging rules in a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) entity within an IP-CAN (Internet Protocol-Connectivity Access Network) session. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and dynamic communication of recurring time intervals for charging rules to the PCEF entity during session establishment. The method involves transmitting a recurring time interval to the PCEF entity using a Charging-Rule-Install Attribute Value Pair (AVP) within a Credit-Control-Answer (CCA-initial) message. This occurs when an IP-CAN session is being established. The recurring time interval defines how often a specific charging rule should be applied or evaluated, ensuring accurate and timely billing for network services. The method leverages existing signaling protocols to integrate this time-based charging control seamlessly into the session setup process. By embedding the time interval in the CCA-initial message, the system ensures that the PCEF entity receives the necessary parameters early in the session lifecycle, enabling immediate enforcement of time-based charging policies. This approach optimizes resource utilization and improves billing accuracy by aligning charging rules with predefined temporal constraints.
4. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the recurring time interval is indicated to the PCEF in a Charging-Rule-Install Attribute Value Pair, AVP of a Credit-Control-Answer, CCA-update message or of a Re-Auth-Request, RAR, message after an Internet Protocol-Connectivity Access Network session is established.
This invention relates to telecommunications systems, specifically methods for managing charging and policy control in IP-based networks. The problem addressed is the need for dynamic and efficient communication of recurring time intervals for charging and policy enforcement in real-time, particularly during an active IP-CAN (Internet Protocol-Connectivity Access Network) session. The method involves a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) that enforces charging and policy rules for a user session. To dynamically adjust these rules, a recurring time interval is communicated to the PCEF after the IP-CAN session is established. This interval determines how frequently the PCEF should apply or update charging policies. The interval is transmitted using standardized messaging protocols, specifically within a Charging-Rule-Install Attribute Value Pair (AVP) in either a Credit-Control-Answer (CCA-update) message or a Re-Auth-Request (RAR) message. These messages are part of the Diameter protocol, commonly used in 3GPP networks for policy and charging control. By embedding the recurring time interval in these messages, the system ensures that the PCEF can adaptively enforce charging rules without requiring a full session re-establishment, improving efficiency and reducing signaling overhead. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where charging policies need to be updated dynamically based on network conditions, user behavior, or service requirements. The method ensures seamless policy enforcement while maintaining real-time control over charging mechanisms.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the recurring time interval is indicated to the PCEF entity in a Quality of Service, QoS, Information Attribute Value Pair, AVP, of a Credit-Control-Answer, CCA-initial message when an Internet Protocol-Connectivity Access Network session is established.
This invention relates to a method for managing Quality of Service (QoS) in an Internet Protocol-Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN) session, specifically focusing on the communication of recurring time intervals to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) entity. The method addresses the need for efficient QoS management in IP-CAN sessions, ensuring that the PCEF entity is properly informed about the timing parameters required for service delivery. The method involves transmitting a recurring time interval to the PCEF entity during the establishment of an IP-CAN session. This time interval is conveyed within a Quality of Service Information Attribute Value Pair (QoS AVP) of a Credit-Control-Answer (CCA-initial) message. The recurring time interval defines the periodic intervals at which certain QoS-related operations, such as resource allocation or monitoring, should occur. By embedding this information in the CCA-initial message, the method ensures that the PCEF entity can dynamically adjust its operations to meet the QoS requirements of the session without requiring additional signaling. This approach improves the efficiency of QoS management by reducing the need for separate signaling exchanges and ensuring that the PCEF entity has the necessary timing information from the outset of the session. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where precise timing is critical for maintaining service quality, such as in real-time applications or services with strict latency requirements.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the recurring time interval is indicated to the PCEF in a Quality of Service, QoS, Information Attribute Value Pair, AVP, of a Credit-Control-Answer, CCA-update message or of a Re-Auth-Request, RAR, message after an Internet Protocol-Connectivity Access Network session is established.
This invention relates to telecommunications, specifically to managing Quality of Service (QoS) in Internet Protocol-Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN) sessions. The problem addressed is the need to dynamically adjust QoS parameters during an active session to optimize network performance and resource allocation. The method involves signaling a recurring time interval to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) within a telecommunications network. This interval is communicated via a Quality of Service Information Attribute Value Pair (AVP) contained in either a Credit-Control-Answer (CCA-update) message or a Re-Auth-Request (RAR) message. These messages are exchanged after an IP-CAN session has been established, allowing the network to periodically update QoS settings without terminating the session. The recurring time interval defines how often the PCEF should re-evaluate or adjust QoS parameters, such as bandwidth allocation or priority levels, based on changing network conditions or user requirements. This dynamic adjustment ensures efficient resource utilization and improved service quality for end-users. The method enables real-time QoS management, reducing the need for manual interventions and enhancing overall network responsiveness.
7. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising: modifying the recurring time interval; wherein the recurring time interval indicated to the PCEF comprises the modified recurring time interval.
A method for managing data usage in a communication network involves monitoring data traffic between a user device and a network gateway. The method includes detecting when the data traffic exceeds a predefined threshold, triggering a policy enforcement function (PCEF) to apply a control policy, and periodically reporting the data usage to a policy control function (PCRF) at a recurring time interval. The recurring time interval can be adjusted based on network conditions or user requirements. When modified, the updated interval is communicated to the PCEF to ensure synchronized reporting. This approach allows for dynamic adaptation of data monitoring and control, improving efficiency and responsiveness in managing network resources. The method ensures that data usage is tracked accurately while minimizing unnecessary signaling overhead by adjusting the reporting frequency as needed. This solution addresses the challenge of balancing real-time monitoring with network efficiency in communication systems.
8. A method at a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function, PCEF, entity for applying a policy, the method comprising: receiving policy information associated with the policy from a Policy and Charging Rule Function, PCRF, entity, wherein the policy information specifies timing for starting and stopping an Access Point Name-Aggregated Max Bit Rate, APN-AMBR; obtaining an indication of a recurring time interval in the policy information for applying the policy from the PCRF entity; and applying the policy repeatedly at the recurring time interval without further receiving the policy information from the PCRF entity, the recurring time interval represents an interval between successive starts of the APN-AMBR or between successive stops of the APN-AMBR.
This invention relates to policy enforcement in telecommunications networks, specifically for managing data rate limits (APN-AMBR) in mobile networks. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of repeatedly requesting policy updates from a central control entity (PCRF) for time-based policy adjustments, which consumes network resources and processing power. The invention describes a method implemented at a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) entity, which enforces policies received from a Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF) entity. The method involves receiving policy information from the PCRF, where the policy specifies timing parameters for starting and stopping an Access Point Name-Aggregated Maximum Bit Rate (APN-AMBR). The policy information includes a recurring time interval, which defines the frequency at which the policy should be applied. Instead of requiring repeated policy updates from the PCRF, the PCEF applies the policy autonomously at the specified recurring interval. This interval can represent the time between successive activations or deactivations of the APN-AMBR, allowing dynamic adjustment of data rate limits without continuous PCRF intervention. The solution reduces signaling overhead and processing load while maintaining policy compliance.
9. The method according to claim 8 , wherein the policy information specifies timing for activating and deactiviating a Policy and Charging Control, PCC, Rule and the recurring time interval represents an interval between successive activation of the PCC rule or between successive deactivation of the PCC rule.
This invention relates to policy and charging control (PCC) systems in telecommunications networks, specifically addressing the dynamic management of PCC rules to optimize network resource allocation and service delivery. The problem solved involves efficiently activating and deactivating PCC rules based on predefined timing policies, ensuring that network resources are used optimally while maintaining service quality. The method involves a policy control system that enforces PCC rules, which govern how network resources are allocated to user sessions. The system includes a policy information repository that stores timing parameters for activating and deactivating these rules. The timing parameters define recurring intervals for rule activation or deactivation, allowing the system to automatically adjust resource allocation based on time-based policies. For example, a PCC rule may be activated at specific intervals to enforce quality of service (QoS) parameters during peak usage times and deactivated during off-peak periods to conserve resources. The system monitors the timing parameters and triggers rule activation or deactivation accordingly. The recurring time interval ensures that the rules are applied consistently, either between successive activations or deactivations, depending on the policy requirements. This dynamic approach improves network efficiency by aligning resource allocation with actual demand patterns, reducing unnecessary resource consumption while maintaining service reliability. The method is particularly useful in mobile and fixed broadband networks where traffic patterns vary significantly over time.
10. The method according to claim 9 , further comprising: calculating a next activation time for activating the PCC rule based at least on the activation time and the recurring time interval and a next deactivation time for deactivating the PCC rule based at least on the deactivation time and the recurring time interval; wherein applying the policy further comprises: activating the PCC rule at the calculated next activation time; and deactivating the PCC rule at the calculated next deactivation time.
This invention relates to policy control in telecommunications networks, specifically for managing the activation and deactivation of Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules in a recurring manner. The problem addressed is the need for automated, time-based control of PCC rules to dynamically enforce policies without manual intervention. The method involves calculating a next activation time for a PCC rule based on a predefined activation time and a recurring time interval, and similarly calculating a next deactivation time based on a predefined deactivation time and the same recurring interval. The PCC rule is then automatically activated at the calculated next activation time and deactivated at the calculated next deactivation time. This ensures that the policy is applied in a cyclical manner, allowing for periodic enforcement of network policies such as bandwidth allocation, quality of service (QoS) adjustments, or access restrictions. The recurring time interval defines the frequency at which the activation and deactivation process repeats, enabling flexible scheduling of policy enforcement. The method supports dynamic policy management by automatically adjusting the activation and deactivation times based on the recurring interval, reducing the need for manual updates. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where policies need to be enforced at specific times or intervals, such as during peak usage hours or for temporary service restrictions.
11. The method according to claim 8 , further comprising: calculating a next start time for starting the APN-AMBR based at least on the start time and the recurring time interval and a next stop time for stopping the APN-AMBR based at least on the stop time and the recurring time interval; wherein applying the policy further comprises: starting the APN-AMBR at the calculated next start time; and stopping the APN-AMBR at the calculated next stop time.
This invention relates to network traffic management, specifically controlling Access Point Name-Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate (APN-AMBR) policies in mobile networks. The problem addressed is the need for dynamic and recurring application of APN-AMBR limits to manage data usage efficiently, particularly for subscribers with time-based data plans or to optimize network resources during peak hours. The method involves setting an initial start time and stop time for applying an APN-AMBR policy, along with a recurring time interval. The system calculates subsequent start and stop times based on these parameters. When the policy is applied, the APN-AMBR is activated at the initial start time and deactivated at the initial stop time. For recurring applications, the system automatically calculates and applies the APN-AMBR at the next start time and stops it at the next stop time, repeating this cycle according to the defined interval. This ensures that data rate limits are enforced periodically without manual intervention, improving network efficiency and user experience. The method is particularly useful for time-sensitive data management, such as enforcing daily or hourly data caps.
12. An apparatus at a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function, PCEF, entity for applying policy information, the apparatus comprising a processor and a memory, said memory containing instructions executable by said processor, whereby said apparatus is operative to perform the method of claim 8 .
This invention relates to policy enforcement in telecommunications networks, specifically within a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) entity. The PCEF is responsible for enforcing policy decisions, such as quality of service (QoS) rules and charging controls, for user data traffic in mobile networks. A key challenge is efficiently applying policy information to ensure consistent and accurate enforcement while minimizing processing overhead. The apparatus includes a processor and memory containing executable instructions. The apparatus is configured to receive policy information from a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) or similar control entity. It processes this information to determine how to handle user traffic, such as applying QoS rules, enforcing bandwidth limits, or triggering charging events. The apparatus also monitors traffic flows to ensure compliance with the enforced policies and may report violations or usage data back to the control entity. Additionally, it supports dynamic policy updates, allowing real-time adjustments without service disruption. The system ensures that policy decisions are applied consistently across different network interfaces and user sessions, improving network efficiency and user experience. The apparatus may also interact with other network functions to coordinate policy enforcement, such as integrating with firewalls or traffic shaping mechanisms. The solution optimizes resource utilization by minimizing redundant processing and ensuring policies are enforced at the network edge, close to the user.
Unknown
June 30, 2020
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.